Stella Frances Robinette

Stella Frances Willoughby Robinette born March 12, 1924 in the train depot in Willard, New Mexico to Eugene and Ethel Willoughby, passed away May 23, 2022 at her daughter’s home in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Stella was the oldest of nine children growing up in Clovis, New Mexico. She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, James, Laurice and Baby Boy Willoughby; three sisters, Wanda and Helen Willoughby, and Hazel Willoughby Elliot; and her husband, Dean Robinette Sr. She is survived by two brothers, John and Charles Willoughby, his wife Betty; and numerous nieces and nephews. She had a very special bond with her nieces, Carolyn Sutton and Joanne Duncan.  She is also survived by her son, Dean Robinette Jr, wife Colette; grandson, Shawn Robinette; and granddaughters, Serina and husband Ryan Seward and Madison Robinette. She is also survived by her daughter, Pamela Currans; grandson, James Currans; and granddaughter, Kayleigh Currans and four great grandchildren, Tiana and Jalen Seward, and Elli and Hendrick Price.  Stella graduated from Clovis New Mexico High School in 1942 and attended college at New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, New Mexico majoring in Home Economics. She then moved to Albuquerque where she met and married Dean Robinette Sr. in 1949. Stella and Dean lived in New Mexico and Louisiana during their years together.

Stella attended First Baptist Church for many of her early years and Sandia Baptist Church in her later years. Stella worked at 1st National Bank and Sunset Memorial Park before retiring at 80 years old. She was loved and respected by all she worked with. Stella had many friendships lasting 60 years or more. She was a lifelong Christian and lived her life as such. She was kind, compassionate and helpful to all she crossed paths with. She loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren immensely. She was known as Granny, not only to her grandchildren, but to many others as well. She had a special fondness for the many pets she kept in her lifetime including her cat who was her constant companion the last few years.

Stella was an excellent seamstress making most of her own clothes in her younger years including her beautiful wedding dress. She also sewed many fun projects for her grandchildren. Stella was able to enjoy many trips around the United States with her church group and loved traveling to visit her family in Texas and Washington. Stella remained sharp up until the end, often impressing those around her with her fantastic memory. Stella touched many, many people in her 98 years on earth and while we rejoice in her home going to be with the Lord, she will be terribly missed by those that loved her so.

A Visitation will be Tuesday, May 31, 2022 from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. at FRENCH – Lomas.  A Funeral Service will be held Wednesday, June 1st, 2022, 10:00 a.m. at FRENCH - Lomas. Immediately following the service, the burial will be at Sunset Memorial Park, 924 Menaul Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87107.